“What’s your role in this?”
“Off the record?”
“Sure.”
“I supply them with extra seals to cover their tracks. I’ve helped cover this up. My conscience no longer allows it.”
“What can I offer you to go on the record?”
“Nothing.” She stood abruptly. “I was never here. You never saw me.”
She walked away without looking back.
I sat alone for a long time, folder clutched tight to my chest, the city waking louder around me. I felt like I was holding a match to a fuse I didn’t know the length of.
And Klaus Hartmann’s name was already burning.
F1 Pulse Broadcast: Seoul Grand Prix, Post-Qualifying Coverage
MARTY: Welcome to the first Korean Grand Prix since 2013, folks!
TARA: Hard to believe it’s been over a decade—and this time we’re not at the Yeongam circuit. Seoul’s all-new street circuit is giving us a completely fresh challenge.
MARTY: Brand-new layout, no historical data—everyone started from zero this weekend. If there were any doubts about Obsidian's dominance this season, Aleks Volkov just smashed them into the tarmac. Fastest in all three sessions today and clinching pole with a monster lap time of 1:38.208.
TARA: He looked untouchable out there. Smooth, clinical—like he had the whole track mapped in his head before he even turned a wheel. I don’t know what they’ve done to that car since Shanghai, but it’s humming again.
MARTY: And meanwhile, Luca Moretti will be starting from P5 tomorrow. Not a disaster, but definitely not what the Hawthorn camp wanted after last weekend’s fireworks.
TARA: You could feel that tension paddock-side today. A lot of people were watching closely—wondering how the reigning champ and his most vocal rival would behave after that explosive clash last weekend. But both played it straight. No drama on track. Just pure performance.
MARTY: Exactly what the sport needed. Let’s call it a reset. But make no mistake—Volkov’s not just gunning for wins. He’s gunning for legacy now.
TARA: And Moretti? Starting fifth puts him on the back foot. He’ll need an aggressive launch, smart strategy, and maybe a bit of luck to claw his way back into contention.
MARTY: Luckily, he’s got all three in spades when he’s on form.
TARA: All right, let’s check in with Jamie in the pit lane—he’s been speaking to key figures from across the paddock. Jamie?
JAMIE KAVANAGH: Thanks guys. I’m down here at ground level where, frankly, the mood is confident. Calm, even. Volkov just climbed out of the car looking as cool as ever, and the Obsidian crew are all business. No fist bumps. No theatrics. Just a quiet sort of… satisfaction. Actually—here’s someone we don’t often get on the mic. Norton Ross, Team Principal at Obsidian. Norton—can I grab you for a second?
NORTON ROSS: Sure, Jamie.
JAMIE: Norton, congratulations on a five star qualifying for Volkov. Any thoughts heading into tomorrow?
NORTON ROSS: We’re pleased with the result, of course. But pole position is just the start. We’ve got a long race ahead of us.
JAMIE: Volkov looked particularly sharp today. Have you made any changes behind the scenes?
NORTON ROSS: Aleks is a driver who thrives under pressure. He does the work. He trusts the system. When those two align, results follow.
JAMIE: And any comment on the fallout from last weekend?
NORTON ROSS: We’ve moved on. The team is focused on performance. That’s all I’ll say.
JAMIE: Fair enough. Best of luck tomorrow.
TARA: Well, there you have it—tight lips from Ross as always. But it’s clear something’s shifted inside Obsidian.
